Working with the menopause
Work
Menopausal symptoms can be hard enough to deal with when all you must do is sit on your sofa, so how can you manage at work?
There are so many middle-aged women who work, millions in-fact and many are wondering how they can cope with the pressures of work.
The stresses of work are nothing compared to the pressure we put upon ourselves to be superwomen. Inside we may feel we’re about to fall off that cliff and are holding onto the edge by our fingernails. Hiding the symptoms, keeping your head down and just carrying on? Does this sound familiar?
More Workplace Support Coming Soon
The UK government is introducing mandatory Menopause Action Plans for employers with over 250 staff, with voluntary compliance starting in April 2026 and mandatory enforcement expected by 2027. These plans, part of the Employment Rights Bill 2025, require workplaces to detail support for symptoms, aiming to reduce gender pay gaps and retain women in the workforce.
I have written an eLearning certificated course to raise awareness and provide support within the workplace. It’s aimed at Managers and HR but anyone can do this course and improve Menopause Support at work.
: https://training.indegu.co.uk/shop/wellbeing/menopause-awareness-training/
Menopause can affect women in different ways but most women find the workplace really challenging.
• Is your workplace “Menopause Friendly?”
• Have you talked to your line manager?
• Do you feel your Line Manager is approachable?
• Do you have a Menopause Policy? Have you read it?
• How supportive are HR/Occupational Health or Wellbeing Leads with Menopause and Women’s Health?
What are your symptoms/ problems and how do you overcome them?
Struggles
• Hormonal changes often mean your sleep is brief, light or no existent.
• Anxiety can go through the roof and if you have important meetings, you may be wondering how you’ll get through it.
• If you have existing Mental Health, such as Autism or ADHD you may feel ever more overwhelmed.
• Does anyone understand what you are going through? Many women find it difficult to talk to their managers about menopause and often call in sick, take demotion or consider early retirement.
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Abdominal Pain, Endometriosis really affect women. Do you feel able to approach managers? to talk about menopause in the workplace will the culture ever change?
• Brain fog- What’s worse than not being able to remember names of important clients, your manager, or where on earth you parked your car?
• Hot flushes can be really embarrassing and can make you feel lightheaded too.
Workplace Menopause Support
Top Tips
• Contact Diane at Bourne2care and book a private menopause consultation.
• Talking to someone, manager, friend, partner or colleagues.
• Talk to Diane or your GP surgery about your symptoms, HRT and getting support.
• Tell your workplace about my menopause eLearning course.
• Read your policy on the Menopause.
• Do you have Menopause Cafes? If you need help setting them up, get in touch.
Most importantly if you are struggling at work, talk to your manager and a health professional. The symptoms of menopause can be disabling. However, with the right support and often HRT you can feel so much better.
For a consultation, workplace support and training please email me.
